We learned the other day that Phillies starter Cole Hamels had a no-trade provision that would block a trade to the Boston Red Sox. We suggested that the provision might be a way of getting the Red Sox to pick up Hamels' option year in his contract. A new report confirms such, and suggests that the Red Sox "have a shot" at Cole Hamels.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe reports that there is the possibility of a trade:
When FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal first reported the Red Sox being on Hamels’s no-trade list, which he can revise every year of his contract, there was some speculation that Hamels didn’t want to play in Boston. It turns out Hamels has no issue with the Red Sox.
It’s basically leverage for Hamels, who could force an interested team to pick up his 2019 option for $20 million, making the remainder of his contract worth $110 million over five years.
The Phillies have scouted the Red Sox extensively and like their prospects, so this situation is worth keeping an eye on through the next month or so.
The Red Sox do have some pieces that would interest the Phillies; they are particular deep in the outfield. The Red Sox are rumored to trade Yoenis Cespedes. Maybe acquiring Cespedes would help encourage Yasmany Tomas to sign with the Phillies.
The Phillies have suggested they could go either way with Hamels; if one of the teams that has the pieces is willing to work out a trade, Hamels could go. Such a deal is not about saving money, but instead allowing the Phillies to do as the Red Sox and Cubs have been doing: stockpiling young talent until the day that they have enough to add someone else's Cole Hamels. That could be the Phillies in a few yearse.
